Tag Archives: 2014 Fantasy Baseball Rankings

Since most of us play in fantasy leagues that start five outfielders, I decided to super-size my rankings for outfielders. We all know Mike Trout is the best fantasy player in baseball, but the rest of the field is very deep. There are a dozen guys who can help you in every category in a 5×5 standard roto league.

My outfield fantasy baseball rankings are based on a standard 5×5 league. If you have any specific questions about a different league, email me BobbyMcrib@gmail.com.

1. Mike Trout – Los Angeles Angels – Trout is the consensus #1 overall fantasy player this season. He’s a yearly threat to be a 30/30 player and who knows, he could be a 40/40 player at some point. He’ll be an MVP candidate and be near the top of every major offensive category.

2. Andrew McCutchen – Pittsburgh Pirates – The reigning National League MVP should meet or exceed last year’s numbers. He’s in his prime and could even top 30 home runs this season.

It was once hard to find power at the shortstop position, but now there are a dozen options who could hit 20+ homers this season. You have all the usual suspects (Hanley Ramirez & Troy Tulowitzki) and a few emerging stars (Andrelton Simmons & Jean Segura).

This will be Derek Jeter’s farewell season. Does he go out with a relevant fantasy season?

My shortstop fantasy baseball rankings are based on a standard 5×5 league. If you have any specific questions about a different league, email me BobbyMcrib@gmail.com.

1. Hanley Ramirez – Los Angeles Dodgers – Before the injury bug hit Ramirez, he was once the #1 overall fantasy player. He has missed an average of 50 games each of the last three seasons. He only appeared in 86 games, but he hit .345 and smacked 20 homers. If he can stay healthy, I expect some big numbers from Ramirez.

2. Troy Tulowitzki – Colorado Rockies – Tulo had a few injuries that kept him from playing, but they were random injuries. His injuries weren’t any associated with someone breaking down. He came back from core muscle surgery last season and put up decent numbers in only 446 at-bats. If he gets near 550 at-bats, he should have another 30/100/.305 season. That is worth #1 or #2 on this list.

You want power numbers from your third baseman. It’s a position that is loaded with players with 30+ home runs. There are even a few with .300 batting average and major power. If you get the right player at third base, you could be in a nice position to win your fantasy baseball league.

Will Miguel Cabrera contend for another Triple Crown?

My 3rd base fantasy baseball rankings are based on a standard 5×5 league. If you have any specific questions about a different league, email me BobbyMcrib@gmail.com.

1. Miguel Cabrera – Detroit Tigers – This was a no-brainer. He’s the #2 overall best fantasy baseball player right behind Mike Trout. I expect another MVP-caliber season from him.

2. Adrian Beltre – Texas Rangers – Beltre is one the most consistent players in baseball. He consistently hits 30+/100/.305+ hitter, year after year. I’m interested how his numbers will improve with Prince Fielder hitting around him. There isn’t much more room to improve, but he should see better pitches.

The pool of available second baseman is never deep. It’s one of the thinnest positions in fantasy baseball. This year is no different. After the first 15, you’re picking through the scraps of platoon players and young players who haven’t proven themselves in the Majors.

Does Jason Kipnis have a shot of dethroning Robinson Cano has the best fantasy second baseman?

My 2nd base fantasy baseball rankings are based on a standard 5×5 league. If you have any specific questions about a different league, email me BobbyMcrib@gmail.com.

1. Robinson Cano – Seattle Mariners – Cano has been the consensus #1 second baseman for quite some time. He got PAID (yes, capital letters) this offseason. I usually predict regression once a player signs a long-term deal worth the GDP of a small country, but Cano is as consistent as they come.

2. Jason Kipnis – Cleveland Indians – I love Jason Kipnis. He helps you in every category. Not only does he hit near 20 homers, but he bats .280 and steals 30 bases. I will definitely be targeting him in nearly every fantasy baseball league I’m in this year.

Putting together fantasy baseball first baseman rankings is always difficult. It’s a loaded position with a lot of power and many of the rankings are based on personal preferences.

Can you handle a first baseman with power, but a sub-.225 batting average? Do you want to go safe with a player like Joey Votto or Freddie Freeman?

My rankings are based on a standard 5×5 league. If you have any specific questions about a different league, email me BobbyMcrib@gmail.com.

1. Paul Goldschmidt – Arizona Diamondbacks – If Chris Davis didn’t have such an amazing year, Goldschmidt would have been the run away #1 overall first baseman this season. The addition of Mark Trumbo helps protect him better in the lineup. I expect another 35/120/.300 season from Goldschmidt.

2. Chris Davis – Baltimore Orioles – We all knew Davis had power, but he surprised everyone with his output in 2013. At one point in the season, he looked like he could surpass the Roger Maris home run record (I have a hard time acknowledging those who broke his home run record). Davis may see a slight decline since pitchers will do their best to avoid pitching to him.

The catcher position looks fairly top-heavy this year in fantasy baseball. You have a young group on their way up and a few prominent catchers that look to be transitioning to first base (Joe Mauer), so this may end up being their last season with catcher-eligibility.

My rankings are based on a standard 5×5 league. If you have any specific questions about a different league, email me BobbyMcrib@gmail.com.

1. Buster Posey – San Francisco Giants – Posey had a down year by his standard, but he’s still the #1 overall fantasy catcher. He gives you average, power and plenty at-bats to stack your roto categories.

2. Yadier Molina – St. Louis Cardinals – The once defensive-minded catcher has turned into one of the most consistent fantasy catchers in baseball. You know what you’ll get and he’s a safe pick.